Definition

Noun: A government building, typically located at a port, border crossing, or airport, where customs officials are stationed. Its primary functions are to collect duties (taxes) on imported goods and to inspect and process cargo, luggage, and vessels to enforce import/export laws and regulations. It is the official point where ships, aircraft, and other conveyances are granted clearance to enter or leave a country.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • All imported goods must be declared at the customshouse upon arrival.
  • The merchant went to the customshouse to pay the required duties on his shipment of silk.
  • The ship's captain obtained the necessary documents from the customshouse before setting sail.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term "customshouse" often evokes historical or traditional settings, particularly in relation to maritime trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many major port cities have historic customshouse buildings that are now tourist attractions or museums.
  • The old Boston Customshouse is now a museum showcasing the city's maritime history.

Variants and Related Words

• Customhouse (noun): This is a common variant spelling with identical meaning and usage. "Customshouse" and "customhouse" are interchangeable.
• Customs (noun, plural): The government agency or authority responsible for collecting duties and controlling the flow of goods. The building is named for this agency.
  • His luggage was inspected by customs.
• Customs office (noun phrase): A more modern or general term for a building or office where customs procedures are carried out.

Synonyms

• Customs office
• Customs station
• Bonded warehouse (specifically a secure building where goods on which duty is owed are stored)

Related Phrases

• To clear customs: The process of having one's goods or person inspected and approved by customs officials.
  • It took two hours for our shipment to clear customs.
• Customs declaration: A form listing the goods being imported or exported.
  • You must fill out a customs declaration form.

Noun

1. a government building where customs are collected and where ships are cleared to enter or leave the country